P045C Exhaust Gas Recirculation “B” Control Circuit Low
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Exhaust Gas Recirculation "B" Control Circuit Low
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation system. Vehicle brands may include (but are not limited to) Land Rover, GMC, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, Honda, etc. Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.
These engine trouble codes refer to a failure in the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system. To be more specific – the electrical aspect. The EGR is an integral part of the vehicles emission system whose function is to prevent the formation of harmful Nox (oxides of nitrogen) from forming in the cylinders.
The EGR is operated by the engine management computer. The computer opens or closes the EGR as load, speed and temperature dictate in order to maintain the proper cylinder head temperature. There are two wires to the electrical solenoid on the EGR with which the computer activates it. A potentiometer is also located in the EGR solenoid that signals the position of the EGRs pintle (operating mechanism that opens and closes the passage.)
This works much like dimming your lights in the home. As the switch is turned the lights get brighter as you increase the voltage. Your engine computer fails to see any voltage change as it attempts to open or close the EGR indicating it is stuck in one position. Codes P045C EGR control circuit "B" means no low voltage change to indicate the EGR is opening or closing. P045D is basically identical but it means circuit high as opposed to low. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual to determine which is the "B" EGR circuit in your particular case.
Unleaded fuel is prone to producing Nox when under extreme temperatures in the engine’s cylinders. The EGR routes a regulated amount of exhaust gas back into the intake manifold. The purpose is to dilute the incoming fuel mixture sufficiently to reduce the cylinder head temperature below that at which Nox forms.
EGR operation is essential for more reasons than preventing Nox emissions – it allows more advanced timing for more power without detonation, and a leaner fuel mixture for better fuel economy.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary depending on the position of the pintle in the EGR at the time of failure.
Potential Causes
The causes for this DTC may include:
Repair Procedures
If your vehicle has under 100,000 miles, it is advisable to read your warranty. Most vehicles have either an 80 or 100,000 mile warranty on emission controls. Secondly, go online and check for any relevant TSBs (technical service bulletins) related to these codes and their repair.
To accomplish these diagnostic procedures the following tools will be needed:
Open the hood and start the engine. If the engine has a rough idle, pull the plug on the EGR. If the engine smooths out the pintle is stuck in the EGR. Shut the engine off and replace the EGR.
Look at the wire connector on the "B" EGR. There are 5 wires, the two outside wires supply battery voltage and the ground. The center three wires are the potentiometer used to signal the computer as to the amount of EGR flow. The center terminal is the 5-volt reference terminal.
Inspect the connector thoroughly for pushed out pins, corrosion or bent pins. Look closely at the wiring harness for any missing insulation or possible shorts. Look for broken wires that could cause and open circuit.
A tip to repair the EGR circuit without replacing the computer: Look on the wiring diagram and locate the coolant temperature voltage reference terminal. Probe this terminal with the key on. If the 5-volt ref. Voltage is there, turn the key off and mark the two reference terminals used in these tests. Pull the computer’s connector, solder a jumper wire between these two terminals. Install the connector and the EGR will operate normally without replacing the computer.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p045c in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p045c and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p045c.